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Cork Insulation and Fluid Geometry in a Guesthouse Surrounded by Olive Groves

Authors:
Suzan Amato, Ida Jonassen
Cork Insulation and Fluid Geometry in a Guesthouse Surrounded by Olive Groves
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With its fluid geometries and use of local materials like cork and limestone, the guesthouse harmoniously blends into the olive grove landscape, creating a serene environment for culinary exploration and relaxation.
5 key facts about this project
01
Fluid geometries reflect the surrounding landscape, enhancing visual integration.
02
Cork insulation is utilized for its sustainability and thermal performance.
03
A central courtyard features an olive tree, symbolizing the region's heritage.
04
Recycled glass tiles complement natural materials, supporting eco-friendly practices.
05
Large glass facades maximize natural light and connect indoor and outdoor spaces.

**Project Overview**
Located in Barreiras, Portugal, Hora de Ouro is designed as a guest house focused on the art of olive oil tasting. The project aims to integrate architecture with the surrounding landscape, emphasizing a connection to nature through its design. The building's form and layout respond to the topography, allowing for expansive views of the countryside while enhancing the user experience.

**Spatial Interaction and Design Language**
The architectural concept features gentle contours and dynamic arches that reflect the undulating hills and olive groves characteristic of the region. This approach fosters a sense of continuity between the structure and its environment, employing an architectural language that combines modern forms with elements inspired by local flora. Key design elements include arched entrances and substantial glass windows, which create a fluid transition between indoor and outdoor spaces. A rooftop pool enhances this connection by providing a vantage point from which guests can appreciate the surrounding landscape.

**Material Selection and Sustainability**
Construction materials have been selected for their local significance and sustainability. Limestone anchors the structure with durability, while oak wood and cork offer warmth and insulation derived from regional resources. Olive tree wood is utilized in finishes and furnishings, honoring craftsmanship traditions. The design incorporates terracotta for aesthetic continuity and recycled bottle glass tiles to enhance light and sustainability. Passive energy solutions, including natural ventilation and strategic solar orientation, further underscore a commitment to environmental responsibility, minimizing energy consumption and promoting ecological harmony within the architectural framework.

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MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

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Competition organisers

The MICROHOME 10 competition invites participants to submit visionary designs for off-grid, modular microhomes that push the limits of sustainable, small-scale living. Organised by Buildner in partnership with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this tenth edition sets the challenge of designing a dwelling for two people within a maximum floor area of 25 m², encouraging bold solutions adaptable to any urban or rural location. The competition continues Buildner’s mission to foster innovative approaches to compact, energy-efficient housing that can address pressing global challenges.

This year’s edition offers a generous total prize fund of €100,000, including the Kingspan Award for designs that integrate high-performance Kingspan products and the Hapi Homes Award for a project selected for real-world construction. In addition to cash prizes, the winners gain international exposure through Buildner’s media partnerships, publications, and a dedicated MICROHOME magazine, further amplifying their ideas to the wider architectural community.

Key dates for MICROHOME 10 include the closing date for registration on 25 September 2025, the submission deadline on 29 October 2025 (11:59 p.m. London time), and the announcement of winners on 9 December 2025. These milestones ensure participants have clear timelines to develop and present their concepts, with early registration discounts available to support students and emerging designers worldwide.

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Final registration deadline 25 September 2025

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